Okoniq Journal
Property tips, taxes & HOA guides
Plain-language guides for homeowners, landlords, and HOA boards — written to help you stay organized and keep more of your money at tax time.
Browse by topic
Getting Started
New to managing property? Start here.
Taxes & Accounting
Deductions, basis, Schedule E, and staying audit-ready.
Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Mortgage & Money
Financing, refinancing, insurance, and cash flow.
Buying & Selling
Valuation, prepping to sell, and the closing process.
HOA & Community
Boards, reserves, meetings, and living in an HOA.
Latest articles
Hot Tub and Spa Maintenance: Keep the Water Clean and Clear
A hot tub's small, hot volume of water needs more frequent care than a pool. Four habits keep it clean, clear, and safe.
Home Inventory for Insurance: Document It Before You Need It
After a fire, theft, or storm, a home inventory is what turns a stressful claim into a paid one. Build it before you need it.
Grill and Propane Tank Safety: 4 Checks Before You Light It
Gas grill fires usually trace to a leak or a grill too close to the house. Four checks make grilling season safe.
Garage Workbench Organization: Build a Setup That Works
A cluttered workbench makes every project slower and more frustrating. Four upgrades turn it into a space you actually want to use.
Fire Pit Safety: 4 Rules for Backyard Fires
A backyard fire pit is great until an ember finds your siding or a low branch. Four rules keep the fun from becoming a fire.
Earthquake Home Prep: 4 Steps That Protect Lives and Property
Most earthquake injuries come from falling objects and fixable hazards. Four steps make your home dramatically safer.
Chainsaw Safety and Storage: 4 Rules to Cut Without Injury
A chainsaw is the most dangerous tool most homeowners own. Four habits keep it cutting safely and lasting longer.
Carpenter Ants vs. Termites: How to Tell Them Apart
Both damage wood, but they're different problems with different fixes. Here's how to tell which one you have.
Weed Control Basics: Win Without Drowning the Yard in Chemicals
Effective weed control is about timing and prevention, not just spraying. Four basics keep weeds down for good.
Wasp and Hornet Prevention: Stop Nests Before They Start
A wasp nest is far easier to prevent than to remove. Four early-season habits keep them from settling on your home.
Vinyl Siding Panel Replacement: Swap a Cracked Panel Yourself
A cracked or faded vinyl siding panel is a surprisingly easy DIY swap — with one special $3 tool. Here's how.
Tree Roots and Pipe Damage: Prevent the Slow Sewer Disaster
Tree roots invade buried pipes seeking water — and a root-clogged sewer line is one of the costliest home repairs. Here's how to prevent it.
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